In an email statement, Westover basketball coach George Stackhouse said "I feel blessed to have known and coached Ashton. His personality was infectious. He was honest, loyal and thoughtful. He was liked by those who knew him and loved by us that knew him well. He was like a son to me and a brother to his teammates. We will miss him dearly."

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 433-1856 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).